The New South Wales politician Gareth Ward has been found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault and rape, leading to significant discussions around accountability and victim support in political spheres.
New South Wales Politician Gareth Ward Convicted of Sexual Assault and Rape
New South Wales Politician Gareth Ward Convicted of Sexual Assault and Rape
Gareth Ward's conviction follows a lengthy trial which revealed disturbing patterns of abuse.
In a significant ruling, New South Wales (NSW) politician Gareth Ward has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, marking a critical moment in the ongoing discourse about accountability within the political landscape. A jury, after deliberating for three days, convicted Ward of three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, stemming from incidents occurring between 2013 and 2015 when the victims were 18 and 24 years old.
Both victims testified about their experiences at Ward's home, where they encountered him through political connections. Ward, who previously held a ministerial role and was affiliated with the Liberal Party, resigned from his ministerial position when the allegations surfaced in 2021 but elected to remain in parliament, even winning re-election for his Kiama seat in 2023.
The trial, which lasted for nine weeks, revealed deeply troubling accounts of abuse, including one instance where Ward invited an intoxicated 18-year-old to his home and assaulted him three times against his will. In another case, he was found guilty of raping a political staffer after a parliamentary event in 2015.
Defense arguments suggesting that the rape had not occurred were dismissed by crown prosecutor Monika Knowles, who highlighted the striking similarities in the victims' testimonies as evidence of their credibility. "Similar behaviour, similar setting, same man, same conclusion. This is not a coincidence," Knowles asserted, emphasizing the importance of believing survivors.
Ward is set to return to court later this year for sentencing. Meanwhile, the NSW government had considered expelling him from parliament, although this plan was put on hold following legal advice that such actions could influence the trial’s outcome. The case has reignited discussions around support for victims of sexual assault, particularly in political environments where power dynamics can complicate matters of justice.
